WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump delivered a stark ultimatum to Moscow on Monday, threatening to impose 100% secondary tariffs on Russia and its global trading partners if a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine is not reached within 50 days.
The announcement came during a high-level White House meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Trump also unveiled a new weapons package, including U.S.-made Patriot missile systems headed to Ukraine “within days” — paid for by European allies.
Trump had previously warned of “high-level” tariffs and sanctions if Russia didn’t pursue peace following his return to office. In April, he floated 25–50% secondary tariffs on countries buying Russian oil. Now, that threat has escalated: 100% secondary tariffs if no deal is reached by Sept. 2, 2025.
In the words of BBC News Russia editor Vitaliy Shevchenko:
Apart from the Patriots, we know little about what else Ukraine will be getting exactly, and how much of it. It is clear, though, that for Trump money is no less important
Meanwhile, the first reactions from Russia are starting to come in.
“If this is all Trump had to say about Ukraine today, then so far it’s been much ado about nothing,” says Russian upper house deputy speaker Konstantin Kosachev.
“In 50 days so much can change both on the battlefield and in the moods of the powers that be in the US and Nato. The most important thing is that this doesn’t affect our moods in the slightest,” he adds in a post on social media.
What Are “Secondary Tariffs”?
Rather than targeting Russian exports directly, these tariffs would punish foreign countries that continue doing business with Moscow — attempting to isolate Russia by choking off third-party trade.
What’s Next?
If Russia refuses to negotiate, the U.S. is expected to roll out sweeping 100% tariffs on its trading partners, alongside broader secondary sanctions.
Meanwhile, the Senate is weighing a separate Sanctioning Russia Act, which could impose tariffs of up to 500% on Russia and energy-linked trading partners.
Bottom Line:
Trump is doubling down — pairing economic shock tactics with renewed military support to force Moscow to the negotiating table. With the 50-day countdown now underway, the world is watching to see how Russia responds — and how far Washington is willing to go.
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